15-year-old Chyell Paulk was fatally shot during an after-prom party in the early hours of April 28th. She was shot on her right side and succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Three other people were injured, including a 14-year-old who is undergoing arm surgery and another minor who survived a gunshot wound to the face. A 17-year-old is accused in connection with the mass shooting, but they have not been publicly identified by authorities due to their age.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation the minor has been charged with one count of felony murder, three counts of aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony in connection with the mass shooting. The investigation is active and ongoing.
Her mother Chelsie King spoke to news reporters stating “I’m just numb,” and “She was 15 with a full life ahead of her.”
Irwin County High School Principal Jared Luke wrote a statement and called Chyell’s death “extremely saddening and tragic”. “She had a loving spirit and always had a smile on her face,” he added, noting that additional counselors would be on campus to help students process the loss of the basketball cheerleading squad member.
On Monday April 29, the city issued a curfew for midnight after the tragedy for anyone 17 and under without being supervised by an adult.
